UK SMEs are confident about future financial performance

Recent survey by American Express shows UK SMEs are optimistic and confident about future business and financial performance.

Business valuation expert, Company Valuation Services (CVS), is educating businesses on how they can increase their potential value and make the transition between owners as stress-free as possible.

This comes after the recent American Express Global SME Pulse survey – published by Oxford Economics – which shows overall optimism for 2017 and beyond.

With 50 per cent of SMEs surveyed in the UK anticipating revenue growth of at least 4 per cent in the coming months, now is the time for owners to be taking steps to increase the value of their business.

A further 28 per cent state that sustaining businesses for future generations is a crucial long-term goal – the implications of which are that business owners need to thoroughly prepare for the transition period.

With regards to the mergers and acquisitions sector, it looks to be a strong 2017. January alone saw a high volume of deals completed in the UK, meaning outlook for the remainder of the year is positive.

To help business owners understand how they can increase value of their company, CVS has collated an onsite guide with expert advice and opinion.

Gary Edwards, marketing manager of CVS, believes that business owners shouldn’t be put off selling in 2017. He adds, ‘We encourage entrepreneurs to never settle for less than their business is worth, and to do everything they can in the run-up to a sale to maximise their value.

‘Strong growth in the acquisitions sector may be predicted in 2017, but those selling should do everything in their power to bring in a value even higher than the market norm.

‘The research shows that, as a nation, we are very optimistic about growth and our financial performance. We want businesses to do all they can to help realise these possibilities.

‘This means ensuring that your affairs are in order before moving on – CVS will do the rest.’